The Many Ways We Hay: How Rabbits Eat & Play with Hay
by Bunny Business
Watching the Morning Hay Ritual
This morning I watched my two bunnies going about their hay time, and a simple thought popped into my head: there are so many ways that rabbits like to eat hay.
Some people keep it neatly tucked into a rack above the litter box (super tidy). Others use free-standing hay racks. But I realized the two very different goals at play: humans want it tidy, and bunnies want it everywhere!
My rabbits — Bunbun and Bailey — show this perfectly. I've learned a lot just by observing them, and I'd like to share what I've found, why it matters, and how you might experiment with your own bunny's hay setup.
Meet the Personalities (and What They Teach Us)
Bunbun is a total neat freak. Everything in his cage must be "just so." He absolutely does not like "potty hay" (hay near his litter box) — whenever I try, he gives me that look: "what the fluff, hoomin?"
Bailey, on the other hand, loves having his hay and litter box together. If I put the Open Air Hay Feeder outside his litter box area, he'll make a huge mess of "cocoa puffs" to express his opinion.
They each have a large litter box on the opposite side of their areas that's exclusively a forage box — I fill it with fresh hay each evening and sprinkle in their daily pellets. They get to dig and forage instead of eating from a bowl. Bailey throws a full-on tantrum if I'm late with his forage box!
Takeaway: Every bunny has preferences. Observing your rabbit's habits gives you clues about what setup they'll enjoy most.
Variety in Location = Better Hay Eating + Enrichment
Offering hay in multiple places makes eating more fun and encourages natural behavior.
For example, the forage-box idea: hay + pellets tucked in so they have to dig around. It's far less boring than a static bowl and gets them moving.
They both love the Rabbit Hole Hay I carry in my shop (through Shopify Collective) because it has the longest, crunchiest pieces — perfect for munching and stretching.
They also adore their Hay Rollers, but I'll confess: when I use them for hay (instead of greens) it gets messy. One trick: I keep an old sheet just for this purpose. I lay it over their rugs, let them play, then shake the hay back into the bin. No mess, happy buns!
Why It Matters (Backed by Science)
- The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) recommends spreading hay and encouraging foraging to "stimulate rabbits to explore and stay active."
- Veterinary researchers confirm that environmental enrichment — providing ways to dig, chew, and forage — improves rabbit well-being and reduces boredom.
- Studies show that rabbits offered hay in varied ways spend more time feeding and are more active overall.
Tip: Try placing hay in at least two distinct locations — one near the litter box (if your bunny likes that) and one in a separate forage zone. Long-stem hay lasts longer and keeps them engaged.
Tidy vs Messy — Finding the Balance
We humans like "tidy" setups: hay racks, bins, and no stray strands.
But for rabbits, a little chaos is part of the fun!
The Hay Roller might leave a few strands behind, but the act of tugging, pulling, and flinging hay is enrichment in itself.
If you have a "neat" bunny (like Bunbun), keep hay separate from their litter box — they'll appreciate a clean hay zone. If your bun doesn't mind mixing hay and litter (like Bailey), that's fine too. The key is observation and flexibility.
How to Try This at Home
- Add one large handful of long-stem hay to a "forage box" or shallow bin away from the litter box.
- Put another smaller handful in a hay rack or feeder near (but not in) the litter box — if your bunny likes that.
- Sprinkle pellets into the forage box so they have to dig to find them.
- Watch: Which setup do they prefer? Do they drag hay to certain spots?
- Clean-up hack: use a washable sheet or fleece under the play zone for easy shake-and-save cleanup.
- After a week, try changing locations or adding a different hay feeder.
- Bonus: you can find the Open Air Hay Feeder, Hay Roller, and Rabbit Hole Hay right in my shop — perfect tools for testing out your bunny's favorite "way to hay."
Conclusion
Rabbits are simple yet delightfully quirky creatures. Their hay time tells us so much — they want to chew, dig, forage, and play.
By mixing good quality hay, multiple locations, and a touch of creativity, you'll have a healthier, happier bunny. And if you, the human, can embrace a little hay on the floor (or under a sheet), everyone wins. 🐇
Share the Bunny Love
If you'd like to try one of our handmade feeders or long-stem hays, visit bunnybusiness.us and use code BLOG10 for 10% off your first order.
Have a bunny with unique hay habits? Tag us on Instagram @bunny_business.official — we love seeing how your rabbits "hay their way"!
